Robbie McGovern and his wife Danielle McGovern, of Santa Rosa, cheer during a late game score at Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 1 of 29 - Niners....what if?

Robbie McGovern and his wife Danielle McGovern, of Santa Rosa, cheer during a late game score at Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Robbie McGovern and his wife Danielle McGovern, of Santa Rosa, cheer...during a late game score at Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz...Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 2 of 29|Niners....what if?

Mike Kepka / The Chronicle

Ray Sharma, Able Gonzalez and Roel Gonzalez cheer from the heart during a late game score at Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 2 of 29 - Niners....what if?

Ray Sharma, Able Gonzalez and Roel Gonzalez cheer from the heart during a late game score at Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Ray Sharma, Able Gonzalez and Roel Gonzalez cheer from the heart...during a late game score at Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz...Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 3 of 29|Niners....what if?

Mike Kepka / The Chronicle

During late game momentum for the 49ers, Juan Trujillo and his father John Trujillo, of San Francisco, hug at Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 3 of 29 - Niners....what if?

During late game momentum for the 49ers, Juan Trujillo and his father John Trujillo, of San Francisco, hug at Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

During late game momentum for the 49ers, Juan Trujillo and his father...John Trujillo, of San Francisco, hug at Super Bowl XLVII at the...Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 4 of 29|Niners....what if?

Mike Kepka / The Chronicle

Long "The Nugg" Hong of San Jose walks the Superdome with optimism early in the game at Super Bowl XLVII on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 4 of 29 - Niners....what if?

Long "The Nugg" Hong of San Jose walks the Superdome with optimism early in the game at Super Bowl XLVII on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Long "The Nugg" Hong of San Jose walks the Superdome with optimism...early in the game at Super Bowl XLVII on Sunday February 3, 2013, New...Orleans, La.

Image 5 of 29|Niners....what if?

Mike Kepka / The Chronicle

Philip Zemeski shows his 49ers pride during Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 5 of 29 - Niners....what if?

Philip Zemeski shows his 49ers pride during Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Philip Zemeski shows his 49ers pride during Super Bowl XLVII between...the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz...Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 6 of 29|Niners....what if?

Mike Kepka / The Chronicle

Lisa Fine-Muth cheers during a 1st down for the Niners in the Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 6 of 29 - Niners....what if?

Lisa Fine-Muth cheers during a 1st down for the Niners in the Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Lisa Fine-Muth cheers during a 1st down for the Niners in the Super...Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at...the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans,...La.

Image 7 of 29|Niners....what if?

Mike Kepka / The Chronicle

Before kickoff, Ana Ruiz and Ismael Garcia make their way to their seats for Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 7 of 29 - Niners....what if?

Before kickoff, Ana Ruiz and Ismael Garcia make their way to their seats for Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Before kickoff, Ana Ruiz and Ismael Garcia make their way to their...seats for Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the...Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3,...2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 8 of 29|Niners....what if?

Mike Kepka / The Chronicle

Pyrotechnics light up the field during the halftime show for Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 8 of 29 - Niners....what if?

Pyrotechnics light up the field during the halftime show for Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Pyrotechnics light up the field during the halftime show for Super...Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013,...New Orleans, La.

Image 9 of 29|Niners....what if?

Mike Kepka / The Chronicle

Daniel Nesbitt, 13, of Cincinnati, OH, waves glowing LED fingers that light up the stands during the halftime show for Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 9 of 29 - Niners....what if?

Daniel Nesbitt, 13, of Cincinnati, OH, waves glowing LED fingers that light up the stands during the halftime show for Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Daniel Nesbitt, 13, of Cincinnati, OH, waves glowing LED fingers that...light up the stands during the halftime show for Super Bowl XLVII at...the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans,...La.

Image 10 of 29|Niners....what if?

Mike Kepka / The Chronicle

After late game momentum from the 49ers, Ray Sharma, jumps out of his seat during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 10 of 29 - Niners....what if?

After late game momentum from the 49ers, Ray Sharma, jumps out of his seat during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

After late game momentum from the 49ers, Ray Sharma, jumps out of his...seat during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday...February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 11 of 29|Niners....what if?

Mike Kepka / The Chronicle

Juan Trujillo, of San Francisco, shows the intensity of the game just before the Baltimore Ravens beat the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 11 of 29 - Niners....what if?

Juan Trujillo, of San Francisco, shows the intensity of the game just before the Baltimore Ravens beat the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Juan Trujillo, of San Francisco, shows the intensity of the game just...before the Baltimore Ravens beat the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl...XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New...Orleans, La.

Image 12 of 29|Niners....what if?

Mike Kepka / The Chronicle

San Francisco's infamous Banjo Man makes and appearance during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 12 of 29 - Niners....what if?

San Francisco's infamous Banjo Man makes and appearance during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

San Francisco's infamous Banjo Man makes and appearance during Super...Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013,...New Orleans, La.

Image 13 of 29|Niners....what if?

Mike Kepka / The Chronicle

Face painted red in support of the 49ers, Brandon Johnston pumps his fist during late game momentum for San Francisco during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 13 of 29 - Niners....what if?

Face painted red in support of the 49ers, Brandon Johnston pumps his fist during late game momentum for San Francisco during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Face painted red in support of the 49ers, Brandon Johnston pumps his...fist during late game momentum for San Francisco during Super Bowl...XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New...Orleans, La.

Image 14 of 29|Niners....what if?

Mike Kepka / The Chronicle

Jose Mejia pumps his fist during the earliest sign of 49ers momentum during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 14 of 29 - Niners....what if?

Jose Mejia pumps his fist during the earliest sign of 49ers momentum during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Jose Mejia pumps his fist during the earliest sign of 49ers momentum...during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday...February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 15 of 29|Niners....what if?

Mike Kepka / The Chronicle

Philip Zemeski shows his 49ers pride during Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 15 of 29 - Niners....what if?

Philip Zemeski shows his 49ers pride during Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Philip Zemeski shows his 49ers pride during Super Bowl XLVII between...the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz...Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 16 of 29|Niners....what if?

Mike Kepka / The Chronicle

Tailgating outside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, Tyler Doherty, Petaluma, Calif. holds a beer before Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 16 of 29 - Niners....what if?

Tailgating outside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, Tyler Doherty, Petaluma, Calif. holds a beer before Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Tailgating outside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, Tyler Doherty,...Petaluma, Calif. holds a beer before Super Bowl XLVII between the San...Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the on Sunday February 3,...2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 17 of 29|Niners....what if?

Mike Kepka / The Chronicle

Niners fans make their way to Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 17 of 29 - Niners....what if?

Niners fans make their way to Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Niners fans make their way to Super Bowl XLVII between the San...Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz...Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 18 of 29|Niners....what if?

Mike Kepka / The Chronicle

Niners fan Dan Davis, of Chico, Calif, makes his way to Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 18 of 29 - Niners....what if?

Niners fan Dan Davis, of Chico, Calif, makes his way to Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Niners fan Dan Davis, of Chico, Calif, makes his way to Super Bowl...XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the...Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 19 of 29|Niners....what if?

Mike Kepka / The Chronicle

Benny Paige make a picture from his care while heading to Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 19 of 29 - Niners....what if?

Benny Paige make a picture from his care while heading to Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Benny Paige make a picture from his care while heading to Super Bowl...XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the...Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 20 of 29|Niners....what if?

Mike Kepka / The Chronicle

Charles Huang and Paula Kosik, of West Palm Beach Fl., make their way to Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 20 of 29 - Niners....what if?

Charles Huang and Paula Kosik, of West Palm Beach Fl., make their way to Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Charles Huang and Paula Kosik, of West Palm Beach Fl., make their way...to Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore...Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New...Orleans, La.

Image 21 of 29|Niners....what if?

Mike Kepka / The Chronicle

Niners fans make their way to Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 21 of 29 - Niners....what if?

Niners fans make their way to Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Niners fans make their way to Super Bowl XLVII between the San...Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz...Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 22 of 29|Niners....what if?

Mike Kepka / The Chronicle

Wearing a homemade feather skirt, Eren Sandoval, of Fremont, Calif., stops on her way to Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 22 of 29 - Niners....what if?

Wearing a homemade feather skirt, Eren Sandoval, of Fremont, Calif., stops on her way to Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Wearing a homemade feather skirt, Eren Sandoval, of Fremont, Calif.,...stops on her way to Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers...and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday...February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 23 of 29|Niners....what if?

Mike Kepka / The Chronicle

Niners fans, Jim Bitler tailgates outside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, before Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 23 of 29 - Niners....what if?

Niners fans, Jim Bitler tailgates outside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, before Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Niners fans, Jim Bitler tailgates outside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome,...before Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the...Baltimore Ravens at the on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 24 of 29|Niners....what if?

Mike Kepka / The Chronicle

Tailgating outside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, Randy Cintron, 12, and Tito Ibarra, 9, of Immokalee, Fl., hold a prized football before Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 24 of 29 - Niners....what if?

Tailgating outside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, Randy Cintron, 12, and Tito Ibarra, 9, of Immokalee, Fl., hold a prized football before Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Tailgating outside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, Randy Cintron, 12, and...Tito Ibarra, 9, of Immokalee, Fl., hold a prized football before...Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore...Ravens at the on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 25 of 29|Niners....what if?

Mike Kepka / The Chronicle

Niners fan Andrew Buetter, of Dallas TX, tailgates outside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, before Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 25 of 29 - Niners....what if?

Niners fan Andrew Buetter, of Dallas TX, tailgates outside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, before Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Niners fan Andrew Buetter, of Dallas TX, tailgates outside the...Mercedes-Benz Superdome, before Super Bowl XLVII between the San...Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the on Sunday February 3,...2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 26 of 29|Niners....what if?

Mike Kepka / The Chronicle

A welcoming party plays on the rooftop outside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome before the start of Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 26 of 29 - Niners....what if?

A welcoming party plays on the rooftop outside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome before the start of Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

A welcoming party plays on the rooftop outside the Mercedes-Benz...Superdome before the start of Super Bowl XLVII between the San...Francisco 49ers on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 27 of 29|Niners....what if?

Mike Kepka / The Chronicle

Greg Hardeman, of San Francisco, get his face painted on his way to Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 27 of 29 - Niners....what if?

Greg Hardeman, of San Francisco, get his face painted on his way to Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Greg Hardeman, of San Francisco, get his face painted on his way to...Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore...Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New...Orleans, La.

Image 28 of 29|Niners....what if?

Mike Kepka / The Chronicle

After welcoming fans, Jimi Burtchae, tuba player with the Storeyville Stompers heads to Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 28 of 29 - Niners....what if?

After welcoming fans, Jimi Burtchae, tuba player with the Storeyville Stompers heads to Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

After welcoming fans, Jimi Burtchae, tuba player with the Storeyville...Stompers heads to Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and...the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February...3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 29 of 29|Niners....what if?

Mike Kepka / The Chronicle

The morning sun makes it's way over the Mercedes-Benz Superdome hours before the start of Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

Image 29 of 29 - Niners....what if?

The morning sun makes it's way over the Mercedes-Benz Superdome hours before the start of Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the on Sunday February 3, 2013, New Orleans, La.

The morning sun makes it's way over the Mercedes-Benz Superdome hours...before the start of Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers...and the Baltimore Ravens at the on Sunday February 3, 2013, New...Orleans, La.

A recent Super Bowl Sunday: At halftime, a 49ers victory seemed improbable, and after Jacoby Jones returned the second-half kickoff for a Baltimore Ravens touchdown, it seemed impossible. Then the lights in the Superdome went out, and everything changed.

“Football is really the only game I know that is about momentum. Once it gets going, it’s hard to stop,” said Robbie McGovern, 38, a mechanic from Santa Rosa who watched the game from the end zone with his wife, Danielle McGovern, who happens to be the niece of 49ers offensive line coach Mike Solari.

That was certainly what the McGoverns were thinking as the 49ers clawed their way back and cut a 22-point deficit to just two points. “It was just an unbelievable feeling of, ‘I can’t believe I’m here. … They’re going to win,’ ” said Danielle McGovern.

Of course, we all know how it turned out. But what if?

What if Michael Crabtree had caught Colin Kaepernick’s fourth-down pass in the end zone? What if the Niners had completed the amazing comeback? It all would have been a different story. It would have been the story I was ready to tell.

The uncontrollably excited embrace of Juan and John Trujillo, a father and son who traveled from San Francisco to see their team win, or the roaring fist pump of the McGoverns – those would have been among the game’s lasting images.

Instead, they ended up on the proverbial cutting-room floor.

So look at these images and imagine, if only for a minute – what if?

To see a multimedia production of this piece, go to blog.sfgate.com/cityexposed. If you have ideas for the City Exposed, e-mail Mike Kepka at mkepka@sfchronicle.com.